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Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Manchester – The Manchester College Openshaw Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Health and Social Care Level 3 Course in Manchester. Classes run at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus. The course covers both theory and practice across the health and social care sector, including human growth and development, safeguarding, infection prevention, equality and diversity, and communication skills. You'll also complete 175 hours of work placement. This is a full-time daytime health and social care qualification that typically takes one year to complete. It prepares you for roles in care and for progression into higher education.

Who this course is for

This qualification has been designed to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills essential to the health and social care sector, and to support progression into Higher Education or the workplace.

Areas of study include a range of both theory and practice relating to working in health and social care. Learners will be required to attend 175 hours of work placement in a real work environment to support their learning.

Learners will be able to develop an understanding of both sociological and psychological perspectives, determine the importance of equality, diversity and rights in health and social care, and conduct reflective practice.

Other areas of study on this qualification include human growth and development, safeguarding practices, infection prevention and control, and the core communication skills needed for a career in health and social care.

Upon achievement of this qualification, learners will be able to access Higher Education and progress into a wide range of job roles within the health and social care sector.

What you will learn

  • You'll study sociological and psychological perspectives relevant to health and social care
  • You'll explore equality, diversity, and rights in care settings
  • You'll learn safeguarding practices and how to apply them
  • You'll develop infection prevention and control knowledge
  • You'll understand human growth and development across the life course
  • You'll practise core communication skills for working in care
  • You'll carry out reflective practice to evaluate your own learning and performance
  • You'll gain hands-on experience through 175 hours of work placement

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions combining theory and practical study. Assessment is through portfolio work, coursework, and extended assessments completed over the course of your studies. You'll also attend 175 hours of work placement in a real work environment, and the centre will support you in finding a placement relevant to your studies.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Manchester College Openshaw Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support people in residential or home care settings
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings
  • Support worker: work with adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs
  • Senior care assistant: take on a lead role after gaining experience
  • Early years practitioner: work with children in care or education settings
  • Community care worker: deliver care to people in their own homes

What you could study next

  • Degree in Nursing, Social Work, or Health and Social Care: this Extended Diploma supports direct entry to many university programmes, including through UCEN Manchester.
  • Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care: for those moving into supervisory or management roles in care.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education route if a full degree isn't your next step.
Apply on tmc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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